[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 83 (Thursday, June 14, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1108]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING GILSON D. FOSTER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 14, 2001

  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Gilson D. Foster as he 
concludes his lengthy and meritorious tenure as Business Manager and 
Financial Secretary of the International Brotherhood of Electrical 
Workers Local 557 and as President of the Saginaw County Labor Council. 
Gil has truly earned his reputation as an outstanding leader who has 
played a key role in shaping the future of the greater Saginaw 
community.
  A native of Alma, Michigan, Gil has positively affected the lives of 
nearly everyone who has had the pleasure of meeting him, and those of 
countless people who will never know how much better their lives are 
thanks to his hard work. Throughout his life, he has exhibited 
exemplary citizenship by consistently and eagerly going well above and 
beyond the call of duty. He has truly made a difference in the lives of 
working families.
  Devotion to duty, longevity in service and job excellence are 
hallmarks of Gil's work ethic. After graduating in 1952 from the former 
Arthur Hill Trade School, Gil enlisted in the United States Marine 
Corps, serving honorably until his discharge in 1960. He later 
graduated from the Saginaw Joint Electrical Apprenticeship program and 
embarked on his career in the electrical trade. In 1966, Gil took over 
as Local 557 Business Manager and Financial Secretary and served in 
those roles for 35 years. Similarly, he spent 20 years as President of 
the Saginaw County Labor Council and also served on the Michigan state 
AFL-CIO General Board.
  Gil's contributions, however, extend far beyond the workplace. Over 
the years, Gil has freely and exuberantly given his time and resources 
to many community organizations, including the Salvation Army, the 
United Way of Saginaw County, the Lake Huron Area Council Boy Scouts of 
America Executive Board, the Saginaw Community Foundation, the Delta 
College Quality of Life Advisory Council, the Saginaw Economic 
Development Corporation, the Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce and the 
Great American Music Festival Board of Trustees.
  Of course, such community service is never accomplished without the 
love and support of family. Gil's wife, Patricia, and five children, 
Kathy, Nancee, Keith, Randall, and Anne, have been an integral and key 
part of his success.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Gil 
Foster on his first-rate and admirable community involvement and for 
his efforts in making Saginaw an enviable place to call home. I am 
confident that he will continue to provide many more years of dedicated 
service to his fellow citizens.

                          ____________________